This year, the world of gardening is exploding with new trends that include edible landscaping, biodiversity, and sustainability. Trying to choose what to plant this year can be difficult with all the options of unique plants and whimsical flowers. That’s why we went straight to the experts to get the top plant picks for 2025 to help narrow down the options and figure out what to choose.
Whether you are seeking out the best plants to grow a pollinator garden or simply want your outdoor space to bursting with beautiful blooms, these picks from the pros are sure to please.
Dahlias
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Jeremy Yamaguchi, expert gardener and founder of Lawn Love, predicts that dahlias will be one of the most popular flowers in 2025. They come in a wide variety of colors and are intriguing to the eye, so they are perfect for bold gardens.
To care for them, they prefer at least 6 hours of direct sun and moist, well-draining soil. You also want to keep deadheading them throughout the growing season so that they remain happy and healthy.
Sunflowers
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One of the biggest gardening trends this year is wildlife and biodiversity-friendly gardening, which is why sunflowers are among the top plant picks for 2025.
David M. Burrows, expert gardener and managing director at Arkearth, says that sunflowers are one of the easiest plants to grow in almost any region. They typically grow between 4 and 15 feet high and make a great and dramatic backdrop along a fence line.
“These plants love full sun and produce large flowers quickly. They are also a favorite for pollinators, not only for pollen, but the flower has a compound that helps bees stay healthier and live longer. You can also harvest sunflower seeds and roast them. They are a great vegan protein alternative,” he shares.
Lavender
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Yamaguchi says that lavender will be popular for a variety of reasons. 2025 is predicted to be a year of bold colors and designs in landscaping, and lavender fits that bill. Additionally, there will be a big focus on sustainable landscaping, largely to reduce water usage to save money and also be more eco-friendly.
“Lavender is hardy and drought-tolerant, plus it is very attractive to pollinators. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and well-draining soil,” says Yamaguchi.
Marigolds
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Marigolds will brighten up any garden with their vibrant colors of orange, yellow, red, gold, and yellow blossoms. Burrows says marigolds are easy to plant and are tolerant of different soils and environments. They love sunny locations but also work in partial shade.
“Marigolds have a long blooming season, plus they ward off pests like mosquitos. These don’t attract all pollinators as much, so plant them away from other flowering species and closer to high-traffic areas like doors and patios to repel insects,” he advises.
Coneflowers
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Since sustainability is also another expected trend for 2025, Yamaguchi says there is going to be a focus on growing native plants. “Coneflowers in particular are one of the most common native plants throughout most of the US, so we are likely to see them in gardens and yards all over the place,” he says.
These flowers prefer at least 6 hours of direct sun, but he advises providing them with afternoon shade if you live in gardening zones 8 or higher.
Yellow Corydalis
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Burrows says Yellow corydalis are another top plant pick for pollinator gardens. Their tubular flowers attract butterflies and bees alike. They are low maintenance, and their long bloom cycles make them great for areas under trees and near patios.
Since this plant can be prolific, he advises cutting off dead blooms if you don’t want it to spread to other areas of your garden or yard.
Creeping Thyme
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Creeping Thyme is a low-maintenance ground cover plant with beautiful blooms in a variety of colors. The fragrant tubular flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
Yamaguchi says it’s also considered a fire-resistant plant. “With all of the extreme weather and fire damage the country is experiencing, more and more people are going to be looking for ways to protect their homes better through landscaping.”
Marjoram
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Burrows says this herb is easy to maintain and fast-growing. The leaves can be used in many dishes, including fish and chicken, and in tea.
This small-leaf herb is also a favorite of pollinators because it produces small white flowers that bees and butterflies love. It is an excellent addition to your garden and does well in clay pots and planter boxes.
